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DISCOURSE 



COMMEMORATIVE OK 



MAJOR CHARLES JAR VIS, 



iiliutU \'cvmo«t lIolu«tccv.o. 



WHO V\'AS MORTALLY WOUNDED, DEC. 1, 1S63, IN AN ENCOUNTER WITH 
THE ENEMY, NEAR CEDAR POINT, N. C, 

DELIVERED 

AT HIS FUNERAL, 

IN THB 

Coucj-rcgationiil Cburclj, at ©teatljcrsficli) golij, 0t., 

DECEMBEB 13, 1863. 



By rev. M. KIMBALL. 



k 



NEAV YORK: 
EDWARD O. JEXKINS, PRINTER, 

20 NORTH WILLIAM STREET. 






18 04. 



..(5=^^. 




\ 



DISCOURSE 



COMMEMORATIVE OF 



MAJOR CHARLES JARVIS, 



giMtU "H^Jcvmont ToIuntccr.5i. 



WUO WAS MORTALLY WOUNDED, DEC. 1, 1S63, IN AN ENCOUNTER WITH 
THE ENEMY, NEAR CEDAR POINT, N. C, 



DELIVERED 

AT HIS FUNERAL, 

IS THE 

Concjrcciattonal Cburrb, at Mciitljtrsfitltj goto, ,Dt., 

DECEMBER 13, 1863. 

By rev. M. KIMBALL. 



NEW YORK: 

EDWARD O. JEXKIXS, PRINTER, 

20 NORTH WILLIAM STREET. 

1864. 



.5 



This Discourse is printed at the request of friends for private distri- 
bution. • M. K. 






DISCOURSE. 



'■ He loveth our nation, and hath built us a synagogue." — Luke vii. 5. 

This was said in commendation of an officer of the 
Koman army. It was presented as a reason for the 
Saviour to listen to the centurion's request, that he 
would restore his servant to 'health, who was dear tQ 
him, and ready to die. Christ went with the messen- 
gers ; and when not far from the house, the centurion 
sent friends to him, saying, " Lord, trouble not thyself, 
for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under 
my roof; wherefore, neither thought I myself worthy 
to come unto thee ; but say in a word, and my sei'vant 
shall be healed ; for I also am a man set under authority, 
having under me soldiers ; and I say unto one, go, and 
he goeth ; and to another, come, and he cometh ; and 
to my servant, do this, and he doeth it." He addressed 
the Saviour as one who had power to heal diseases, as 
himself had to command men. When Jesus heai'd 
these things, he marveled at him, and turned him 
about, and said unto the people that followed hiin, " I 



say luito you, I liave not found so great faitli, no, not 
in Israel." 

Circumstances sometimes exist, when public danger 
or calamity is, for the time, dismissed or forgotten, 
amid the intensity of private grief. The heart is moved 
by disaster, which aifects more directly a single com- 
munity. Thus, when a family or neighborhood is 
called to moui'n the loss of one of its members, though 
the loss may have occurred in the discharge of im- 
portant public duties, yet the danger, to prevent which 
life was periled, may be forgotten while private grief 
is indulged. 

So, too, circumstances may exist, when public danger 
or calamity may be so impending, that private feelings 
and interests will be merged in predominant anxiety 
and solicitude for the general good. 

It is right that private grief should be indulged. As 
social beings, united by the sympathies of a common 
humanity, it cannot be otherwise. The Universal Parent 
created us with such natures that, under proper regula- 
tions, these affections may be indulged, and these sym- 
pathies cherished. It is the law of well-disciplined 
human life, sanctioned by the highest authority, to " re- 
joice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them 
that weep." For wise and beneficent purposes the web 
of human life is so interwoven, that, destitute of kindly 
sympathies, it becomes a fiiilure. He does not live a 
true life who is a stran(2:er to them. 

The latter of the feelings, to which reference has 



been made — wlien private or local interests are merged 
in all-pervading anxiety for general prosperity or 
national welfare — is patriotism. It is manifested when 
important interests are depending; when constitutional 
liberty is in peril; when the foundations of govern- 
ment are in danger of subversion ; when treason and 
rebellion threaten. Patriotism prompts a person to serve 
his country, either in defending from invasion, or in 
protecting its institutions in vigor and purity. It is 
an essential element in the character of a Ofood citizen. 
Its clearest and most attractive manifestation is seen 
when religious principle is blended with love of country. 
When a man of such character dies in defending its in- 
stitutions, we feel they are of inestimable value. 

Patriotism may be regarded as sustaining a relation 
to civil government, in some respects similar to that 
which religion sustains to the Object of all homage and 
praise. It does not imply indifference or ill-will to 
other nations ; it is consistent with universal love of 
mankind. It is superior to all mere party interests 
or distinctions. 

Much that has been denominated patriotism in the 
history of our country, was merely selfish concern for 
party, manifested, not in efforts for the country's wel- 
fare, but for partisan success. 

History records illustrious examples of this spirit. 
It is by example that the most correct impressions are 
made. It has been said that "history is philosophy 
teaching by example." It is so pre-eminently in re- 



spect to this virtue. One siicli illustration as is presented 
in tlie life and labors of Washington — the unselfishness 
of true patriotism ; its far-reaching influences ; embrac- 
ing in its comprehensive view the welfare of genera- 
tions yet to live ; extending the contemplation with 
prophetic vision to the influence of the present upon 
the future — one such example affords clearer and more 
correct illustration of what patriotism is, than volumes 
of mere theoretical speculation could do. Through 
long years of gloominess ; amid adversity, coldness and, 
opposition, he steadily persevered till he saw the ac- 
complishment of his cherished desire in the independ- 
ence of his country. 

Nor is it in military life and labor alone that this 
spirit is manifested. It is seen often in civil life. Its 
true exponent is found in the modest, yet expressive 
suggestion, " He lovetli our nation" Wherever, or in 
whatever manner, labors are to be performed, or sacri- 
fices made for a nation's welfare, present or future, there 
and in that manner will this spirit be manifested. 
Sometimes it demands immediate action. An instance 
in the history of one of the countries of Europe affords 
an illustration. The commander of a military post, 
abroad at early dawn, was taken prisoner, and com- 
manded by his captors, on pain of instant death, not to 
utter a sound. In clarion tones, he shouted, " To arms ! 
to arms !" and fell in death. He saved his post, but 
sacrificed life in doing it. 

Again, it requires patiently protracted labors and 



7 



efforts, amid o'bstacles and discoura2:ements. Faith, 
then, is an essential element ; faith in the justness of 
the cause, and in its ultimate success. 

Another characteristic of the person introduced to 
our notice in the text, is his henevolent spirit. lie- 
hath huilt us a synagogue. 

The fact mentioned to the person's praise, may be 
regarded, not merely as related to the people of Caper- 
naum, nor as a single benevolent labor merely; but 
rather as a representative act, presenting an exponent 
of the man's general character. It might seem strange 
that peo2:)le of Jewish origin and worship, prejudiced 
as they usually were against other nations, and regard- 
ing themselves as favored of God above all others, 
should speak in such high commendation of an officer of 
the Roman government, whose presence would constant- 
ly remind them of their subjection to a foreign power — • 
a hated heathen nation. 

But they saw in him a friend. We suppose him to have 
been a man of sincere piety. The Saviour's commenda- 
tion justifies this opinion : " I have not found so great 
faith ; no, not in Israel." The centurion may be regarded, 
then, as a representative man ; a man of real goodness, 
whose benevolence proved him to have been in sym- 
pathy with the good of all the ages — the friend of 
God. In our conceptions of a good man we necessarily 
include the idea of benevolence. It is as truly the law 
of goodness to manifest itself in benevolent labors, as 
of light to shine. In our estimate of religious char- 



8 

acter, do we tliiiik enough of Christ's reply to the 
tempthig iuquiry of the lawyer? "Thou shalt love 
the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy 
soul, and with all thy niiud, and thy neighbor as thy- 
self." This comprehends the sum of religion. Love 
manifests itself in appropriate ways, according to the 
object loved. Religious aifections are placed upon God, 
the source of all blessedness. Their existence will be 
manifested in labors to promote the welfare of his king- 
dom and the best interests of man. If selfishness is 
subdued, as it will be, if religion exists in the heart, 
the feeling of universal ]>rotherhood will be cher- 
ished. 

We have an illustration of the traits of character 
briefly described, in the life of him whose body we to. 
day commit to the grave. 

Charles Jaevis, son of Hon. William Jarvis, was 
born in Weathersfield, Vermont, August 21, 182L 
He fitted for College principally at Phillips Acadeni}^, 
Exeter, N. H., and entered the University of Vermont 
at the ao;e of fourteen. He maintained a hio^h stand- 
ing for scholarship and deportment in college, and was 
graduated with honor in 1839. He was regarded by 
his teachers as a young man, whose character and at- 
tainments gave promise of usefulness and distinction. 
Under favorable circumstances he studied law : frradu- 
ating at the School in Cambridge in 1842. 

There are good reasons for believing that from tlie 
knowledge he acquired of the principles of jnrispru- 



9 

clence, a foundation was laid for eminence in the legal 
profession, bad lie devoted liimself to its pursuits. 

But he decided that duty directed to a different 
course. He was an only son, and he concluded to 
remain at home, affording assistance to his father in the 
cares and responsibilities of agricultural and pecuniary 
concerns. 

Here he found opportunity, by wise and economical 
arrangement of time, not only for the faithful and judi- 
cious performance of those duties, but also for intellec- 
tual culture and general improvement. He read the 
best authors of our own and of other times, and was 
interested in pursuits and investigations congenial to 
active, cultivated minds. A diligent student of history, 
he carefully treasured in his own mind the opinions and 
sentiments of great and good men. He acquired accu- 
rate knowledge of the fundamental principles of our 
government, and the nature of our republican institu- 
tions ; saw clearly the dangers which threatened them, 
and what was necessary for their ultimate success. Of 
these and other kindred subjects he had more correct 
views and opinions than most of his contemporaries. 
^e was thus qualified for the duties and responsibilities 
of public life ; for a statesman, who could avail himself 
of the treasures of wisdom and experience, gathered 
from historical investigations, and from the instructions 
and counsels of a father of wonderful powers and 
resources ; yet he steadfiistly resisted all solicitations to 
enter upon public life. 



10 

The retirement of liome was more congenial with his 
feelings, and more in accordance with bis tastes and 
sympathies. x\nd here, amid the scenes of his early 
life, which he so much loved, and among neighbors and 
friends, who shared largely in his benevolent labors 
and kindly attentions, and who now testify with such 
earnest and universal sympathy to his worth and the 
loss they have experienced — here, he would probably 
have lived and died, had not duty called to sterner 
and more trying labors. From earliest childhood he 
had been taught, by precept and exam2)le, to revere 
the Constitution under which the nation had so greatly 
prospered ; taught, also, the imperious duty of obedi- 
ence to wholesome law. And when he saw the Gov- 
ernment assailed, the Constitution in danger of subver- 
sion, and the superstructure reared by the labors and 
sacrifices of the fathers threatened with destruction, his 
spirit was roused. He contributed freely to aid the 
cause. But he felt that he must do more ; that ])er- 
sonal sacrifices must be made. A feeling like that 
experienced by the great apostle when he said, " Woe 
is me, if I preach not the gospel," seemed to be in his 
heart. After carefully considering the subject in its 
various bearings and relations, he believed that duty 
called for devotion to his country's welfare in the 
army. Though friends might have thought he could 
be more useful at home in furnishinsr means for sus- 
taining the government and in caring for friends, he 
could not be changed from his purpose. " I had rather 



11 

be a martyr for my country than live in ease at 
home," was his significant utterance. " There are 
thino^s dearer than life." 

Naturally he had no taste for military pursuits. 
But he entered with charactei'istic energy upon the 
needed training and preparation. When the company 
of volunteers which he raised was organized, he was 
elected their Captain. He might have had a higher 
position, but he chose that. In the varied and trying 
experience of the first year he shared in the privations of 
his command, manifesting in all conditions the character 
and virtues of a good soldier, more solicitous for the wel- 
fare and comfort of those under his command than for 
himself The commander of the regiment, Colonel Rij)- 
ley, in a letter to his famil}^, says : " He died gloriously, 
as could all hope to do, battling in a stern, inflexible 
vindication of the riglit of man to liberty — proving in 
death that his devotion to his country was of no ordi- 
nary intensity, and his faith in the promises of his 
religion unbounded. He passed away as he had lived, 
a brave soldier and a simple-hearted, devoted Chris- 
tian, and left an example that has found its way to all 
our hearts, and whose impression will never fade away." 

That Major Jarvis was a patriot, none will dispute. 
His patriotism was of that elevated character in which 
stromr reliorious faith is blended with true love of 
country. Of this we have had many delightful illus- 
trations since the terrible uprising against the Govern- 
ment ; but none raoi-e pure, nctble and disinterested 



12 

than that presented in the life and labors, and death of 
onr brother. It would have been strange indeed, if 
one trained as he had been, under a parent of such 
devoted patriotism, taught profoundly to revere our 
institutions and laws, should have ignored his birth- 
right, and proved recreant to the eternal principles of 
right, which had been so earnestly inculcated. Stranger 
still, if he had been unmoved^ when attempts were 
made to prevent the introduction of the constitutionally 
elected President to office ; or when the flag, under 
w^hose protection the nation had so highly prospered, 
was traitorously assailed ! No such, record is made. 
His example wdll be presented in all coming periods 
of the nation's history for the imitation and encourage- 
ment of her citizens. The remembrance of his deeds 
and virtues will live in the hearts of a grateful people. 

The crowning excellence in the character of Major 
Jarvis was his religious faith. In the estimation of his 
most intimate friends, he had been influenced, for years, 
by decided Christian principle. In 1859 he made 
public profession of his faith in Christ as the atoning 
Saviour. It was the privilege of the waiter to admit 
him to the fellowship and privileges of the Christian 
Church. 

It was said in commendation of Abraham, in earlier 
time, that " he believed God, and it was counted unto 
him for righteousness." It may be as truly said of our 
departed friend, that he believed God. The declara- 
tions of his word w\ere received with perfect confi- 



13 

clence. With the trustino- faith of a child lie rested on 
the promises of the Bible. lie believed, even when 
reason could not comprehend ; assured that wliat was 
revealed could not l)e contrary to reason, though it 
might be above its power. The mysteries of the God- 
head were received, because revealed b}'- the Infinite 
Mind. The atonement and mediation of Christ he 
joyfully accepted ; glorying, as did the apostle, in the 
cross of Christ, as the only hope of a lost race. In 
view of his own sinfulness, he declared that none but 
an Almighty Saviour could meet his necessities. 

From his first admission to the Church his life and 
influence afforded an illustration of what every profess- 
ing Christian should be, "a working power in the 
Church." He did not feel, when the moral change had 
been effected, that all was performed in the heart that 
was necessary. The Christian life with him was growth, 
advancement, manifested by the cultivation of graces 
and virtues in his own heart, by labors and efforts for 
the good of others, and the divine honor. His life 
corresponded with the beautiful description given in 
the insjiired word — " the path of the just is as the shin- 
ing light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect 
day." 

With all his devotion and earnestness he was modest, 
distrustful of himself; referring to his own religious 
experience but seldom, and never as an example for 
others. 

Accustomed to early rising, he employed the quiet 



14 

morning boiirs in reading the Scriptures and devo- 
tional exercises. The Bible was the book for his 
Sabbath reading, to the exclusion of nearly all else. 

He was constant in his attendance upon the public 
services of the Sabbath ; never absent but for necessary 
cause. He was always attentive and interested, seem- 
ing fully to enter into the feeling expressed by the 
Psalmist — " I was glad when they said unto me, let us 
go into the house of the Lord." 

We are thankful for the concurring testimony of all 
classes, that amid the trying scenes of his brief military 
career, he uniformly maintained the character of a re- 
ligious man. It may be said of him in justice, that he 
was a Christian farmer, a Christian scholar, a Christian 
citizen, a Christian soldier. 

He strictly practiced, during his continuance in the 
Army, the principle, early embraced, of total abstin- 
ence from alcoholic liquors. 

He cultivated, as an essential element of religious 
YiiQ^ the spi I' it( >f benevolence. To one who knew his 
system of giving to o])jects of philanthropic and Chris- 
tian charity, he presented most clearly what is implied 
in being a •sieward of God. When his heart was con- 
verted, his propei-ty was converted along with it. 

In one of his letters, of recent date, enclosing one 
hundred dollars for the cause of missions, he wrote : — 
" It is pleasant, to devote the money earned in war to 
the cause of the Prince of Peace." There was pleasure 
in being the medium of conveying his charities to the 



15 

objects designated. He did not wait to be solicited, 
and his direction was to have the contribution sent in 
the name of the church, though his own charities were 
larger than the whole beside.* 

There are private griefs arising from this dispensa- 
tion, too deep and sacred for the public ear ; of these 
I forbear to speak. 

The loss of such a man to the country, at a time 
when there is need of men who are absolutely controlled 
by patriotic sentiments, and who will labor to strengthen 
and secure the institutions under which we have pros- 
pered so long, will be most severely felt. It is felt by 
his companions in arms. They have lost a friend whose 
example and patriotic spirit will long be revered. The 
church, of which he was an honored and most useful 
member, painfully feel his loss, while they bow sub- 
missively under the mysterious Providence. Good 
men, throughout the wide circle where he was known, 
deplore his loss. A great and good man has fallen. 
Great in goodness ; good in greatness. For him we 
do not mourn, but for ourselves. 

To the neighbors and acquaintances of our departed 
friend I would commend his example. The image of 
those we love and revere is more strongly impressed in 
our memories by common and familial* things, than by 

* Major Jarvis bequeathed $1,500 to Foreign Missions, $1,000 to the American 
Home Missionary Society, $2,000 to the Vermont Missionary Society, on certain 
conditions, $50U to tlie Bible Society, $500 to the American and Foreign 
Christian Union, $500 to the American Tract Society, and $500 to the American 
Colonization Society. 



16 

great actions of life. You have been conversant with 
Mr. Jarvis ; you know his manner of life among you ; 
how elevated and pure his aims and purposes ; how in- 
tegrity and uprightness mai'ked his conduct. His early 
virtuous life ; his unselfish spirit ; his pure patriotism ; 
his benevolence ; his simple-hearted piety ; his entire 
life, consecrated to the glory of God and the good of 
his fellow-men — all was known to you. May his ex- 
ample be imitated. " Being dead, he yet speaketh." 



APPENDIX. 



I. 

RESOLUTIONS OF THE 9rn VERMONT. 

WiiEEEAS, It having pleased an all-wise Providence 
to remove from us our esteemed friend and brother in 
arms, Major Ciiaeles Jarvis, who fell mortally wounded 
in an encounter with the enemy, near Cedar Point, N. 
C, December 1st, 1863 : Therefore, He-solved^ That in 
the loss of Major Jar vis the regiment has lost a valu- 
able officer; the State one of her most honored and 
worthy sons ; the country a man of eminent zeal and 
patriotism ; and the world a consistent Christian. 

Resolved^ That the deceased was distinguished alike 
for gallantry as a soldier, his affability as a companion, 
and his kindness as a friend; that he Avas faithful in 
the discharge of every duty, and ever watchful of the 
interests and happiness of both officers and men. 

Resolved^ That we tender our sympathies and con- 
dolence to the friends and relatives of the deceased; 
commending and pointing them to the God of battles 
for consolation and support ; while with them we mourn 
his loss, we recognize the hand of divine Providence in 
this dispensation, and bow in humiliation to his will. 

Resolved, That the officers of this regiment, as a 
2 



18 



token of respect to his memoiy, wear the usual badge 
of mourning for thirty days. 

Resolved^ That copies of these resolutions be sent to 
the family of the deceased, and to the Yeriyiont Journal 
for publication, with request that State papers copy. 
V. G. Baeney, Lieut.-CoL, 9th Vt. Keg. 

J. O. Livingston, Sec'y. 

Newport Barracks, N. C, Dec. 3, 1863. 



11. 

RESOLUTIONS OF THE CITIZENS OF WEATIIERSFIELD, 

December 12, 1863. 

• 

He-solved., That in the death of Major Charles Jar- 
vis, who fell in the service of his country, in the State 
of North Carolina, the town has lost a valuable and 
much esteemed citizen, the community a public spirited 
and benevolent member, and the nation a brave and 
patriotic soldier. 

He-solved^ That we tender to the afflicted family of 
the deceased our warmest sympathies in this their time 
of bereavement and mourning. 

III. 

PROCEEDINGS IN WINDSOR COUNTY COURT, WOODSTOCK, 

December 12, 1863. 

Whereas, It hath pleased Almighty God to remove, 
by death, a most worthy member of the bar of this 
court, in the person of Charles Jarvis, while engaged 



19 

in the luilitary service of his country, and while in the 
active discharge of his duties in her defence; and 
whei'eaa, it is ever becoming to pay suitable tribute to 
departed worth ; Thei*efore, 

Resolved^ That we have heard, with feelings of pro- 
found res^ret and unfei^-ned sorrow, of the death of 
Major Charles Jar vis, of Weathersfield, a member of 
this bar, while in discharge of his duties as Major of 
the 9th Regiment of Vermont Volunteers, near New- 
bern, in North Carolina, on the 1st day of December, 
instant. 

Resolved^ That we will ever cherish, with sincere 
respect, the memory of our departed friend and 
brother; that in him we recognized all the nobler 
qualities that adorn the man; public spirited and 
charitable in every good work ; to the unfortunate and 
poor, kind and generous; that as a neighbor and 
townsman, he was beloved and respected; and as a 
citizen, he was universally honored and esteemed ; as a 
volunteer soldier in the army of his country, he was 
ever at the post of duty, never shirking his full share 
of responsibility, nor avoiding the necessary dangers 
incident to his duties as a soldier. With a heart that 
ever beat with affectionate warmth for friends and 
kindred, its pulsations were no loss warm for his 
country and his country's just cause in this, the day 
of her trial. We mourn his untimely death with most 
sincere sorrow, and bow with humble resignation to 
the sad dispensation of divine Providence. 



20 



He-solved^ That we tender to the mother of the de- 
ceased, and to his surviving sisters and kindred, our 
sincere sympathies, in this day of their great grief and 
calamity. And while they monrn the loss of a warm 
and tender-hearted son and brother, we also mourn the 
loss of a friend and professional brother, and all loyal 
citizens may well mourn the departure of a brave and 
sincere patriot. 

He-solved^ That the clerk of the court communicate 
to Mrs. Jarvis, the mother of the deceased, the proceed- 
ings of this bar at this time, and that she be furnished 
by him with a copy of these resolutions. 

Norman Williams, Clerk. 

Woodstock, December 12, 1863. 



IV. 



258 Lexington Avenue, New York, Jan. IS, 1864. 

Mrs. H. B. J. Richards : 

Dear Madam^ — You desire me to send you my 
recollections of your lamented brother, as I knew him 
in his college course, and in subsequent life, and I take 
a sad pleasure in so doing. 

My first acquaintance with him was made when we 
entered the University of Vermont together in the 
autumn of 1835. He was the youngest member of the 
class in years, but remarkably self-poised. This used 
to strike me as a noticeable characteristic in him ; and 
it was one that all observed — so much so, that notwith- 



21 

standing Lis extreme youth, his unusual moderation 
and streno;th of understandiuo: secured for liira tlie title 
of the " old Koman." And the title was well main- 
tained through all his college course. Though not, as 
afterwards, under the influence of strictly religious 
principles and experiences, his bearing and demeanor 
were marked by gravity and sobriety in what is usually 
the most erratic and dangerous period in life. He was 
far less than most of us, the creature of youthful im- 
pulses ; and as I look back upon him after the lapse of 
thirty years, I see that there was in him a more solid 
basis for a strong and firm character than is commonly 
found in youth. 

His scholarship corresponded with his natural traits. 
I do not remember that he showed decided predilections 
for any one branch of study, or remarkable superiority 
in any one ; but he was a sound and faithful student 
in the whole curriculum. There was great evenness 
and symmetry in his intellectual development, and he 
left college without any of those one-sided views and 
exorbitant tendencies which so often mar collegiate 
education. 

His social character was of a piece with his intellectual. 
A true honest friend, he made no enemies, and never 
became embroiled with others. And yet he jwssessed 
high spirit, and great independence of feeling. Had 
he been less manly and noble in his temper, he would 
have been likely to have fallen into collision with 
others ; but his evident transparency, and freedom from 



22 



jealousy and all sinister motives, carried him through 
college with as much popularity as ever falls to the lot 
of a student, and with more respect than falls to the 
lot of most. 

After graduating together in 1839, we separated, 
and saw little of each other. Letters occasionally 
passed between us, but like such cori'espondence 
generally they were few and far between. We met 
again in 1842 or 1843 — he then studying the professi(3n 
of law at Cambridge, and I that of theology at Andovei-, 
After this we did not see each other, I think, until the 
spring of 1862, During the long interval of twenty 
years, I had heard from him occasionally, and of liini 
still more through mutual acquaintances and friends, 
and could rejoice especially in the knowledge that his 
religious views and experience, like my own, had 
radically changed from what they were when 

^' In the slippery paths of youth, 
With heedless steps w^ ran." 

I saw him last in the spring of 1862, upon his return 
from a visit to Washington and the army. Our conver- 
sation was rapid and earnest, as we had much to say, I 
was impressed with the high moral view which he was 
evidently taking of the war that was desolating the 
nation, and although he said nothing that indicated 
such a purpose, I thought it highly probable that his 
convictions would ultimately carry him into the field. 
When I heard that he had devoted his life to the 



23 

support of tlie Uniou and the Constitution, I was not 
surprised. And when I heard of his death, I felt that 
no more valuable sacrifice of individual life had been 
made during the whole contest. lie had no mercenary 
motives to urge him onward. All his worldly interests 
were against the decision. But he laid down his life, 
not from patriotism merely, but from religion. It was 
a whole burnt-ofifering. 

He died in the prime of manhood, with a Christian 
liope, leaving a high example behind him, and tender, 
tearful memories in the hearts of all who knew him. 
As I look back over the thirty years of our acquaint- 
ance, and bring out into clearer lines the features of 
his character and life, I am impressed with its sub- 
stantial and solid excellence. Everything about him 
was true and real. God had given him these traits by 
nature, and grace only strengthened and perfected 
them. To us short-sighted mortals, it seems mysterious 
that a world so full of pretence, and so greatly needing 
men of positive and sincere native qualities, and Chris- 
tian men whose religion is a sober and deep convic- 
tion of the whole mind and heart, should be so often 
and so prematurely deprived of them. But it seems 
good to God, and this is reason enough. 

I have thus, my dear Madam, briefly sketched my 
recollections and impressions of your brother, and my 
old and early friend. What I have written falls short 
of my real judgment and feelings. Eulogies are apt to 



24 

outrun the character eulogized ; but as I lay down my 
pen, it is with the dissatisfied feeling that there was a 
merit in my friend to which I have not done full 
justice. 

With sincere regard, I am, yours very truly, 

W. G. T. Shedd. 



LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 



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